Harold “Jake” Klein NACo Board Member Commissioner Otero County, Colo.

Number of years active in NACo: Nine years

Years in Public Office (list offices held): 21 years; nine years with LaJunta Chamber of Commerce, served as president; 12 years as county commissioner, Colorado State Association president.

Occupation: Retail business, Otero County Commissioner.

Education: Associate Engineer, Western Electric Institute, Otero Jr. College; Colorado University at Denver.

The hardest thing I’ve ever done: Build a new grocery store.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: My grandfather and grandmother (paternal), also my maternal grandfather.

A dream I have is to: Make Otero the best county in the country to live in.

You’d be surprised to learn that I: Spent nine months in the Sahara Desert.

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: To drive U.S. Highway 50 from coast to coast.

My favorite sport is: Golf.

I’m most proud of: My wife Jean, who works with victims of crimes, also my son Eric and daughter Robin and their families.

Every morning I read: The Pueblo Chieftain and The Denver Post.

My favorite meal is: Chinese.

My pet peeve is: How slowly the wheels of government turn.

My motto is: “When I want to speak, let me first think: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If not, let it be left unsaid.” From The Sage of Life.

The last book I read was: The Painted House, by John Grisham.

My favorite movie is: The Long Grey Line.

My favorite music is: From the ’50s and ’60s.

My favorite president is: Harry S. Truman.